What is Mindfulness?
Let me simplify Mindfulness for you; it focuses your mind “fully” on one thing. It is the ability to be fully present in the moment. Be aware of the here and now, be aware of what you’re feeling right now, and most importantly, without judging your feelings.
We live in a fast-paced world where we constantly think of things; How do I progress in my career? Will I get good grades on my exam? Will I be able to get married to the person I love? I shouldn’t have wasted so much time watching that movie yesterday!
We are constantly living either in the past or in the future. Our mind oscillates between things that could have been done differently in the past and things that we will do or might happen in the future. We are not living in the present.
Here is where Mindfulness comes to the rescue. It trains you to focus all your energy, thoughts, and concentration on the present moment.
Practicing mindfulness meditation helps you relax your body and mind.
Mindful Meditation focuses on the way you breathe. It teaches us to focus on one particular thing entirely when practised regularly. But is it even possible to just focus on one thing? When I sit still, random thoughts will dance around my mind.
So let’s look at how to practice Mindfulness.
How to practice mindful Meditation?
There is nothing extra required to practice mindful Meditation. We, humans, have it in us, and naturally, it is just something that we need to put into practice.
Here is how you follow it:
Time: Set out 10 mins from your schedule daily to practice Mindfulness. The mornings are the best time, as it is quieter, and what better way to start your day, right? Start by setting a timer for 5-10 minutes as a beginner.
2. Observe your breath:
Now that you have taken out time choose a nice cosy place and settle down. Sit with crossed legs, or folded legs, whichever position is comfortable for you. Focus on your breath; focus on the rhythm of your body movement. Concentrate all your thoughts on your breathing.
3. Let other thoughts flow in:
Focusing on your breath does not mean altogether shunning other thoughts. When you are sitting still in one place, doing nothing but trying to concentrate on how you breathe, opinions about whether you’re doing it right, or how long has it been, or any random thought is definitely going to cross your mind.
You don’t have to abandon these thoughts, and you have to acknowledge all the ideas that come to your mind. Let them flow; let them come and go.
Now, after acknowledging, accepting and not judging yourself and these thoughts, go back to where you started. Go back to focusing on your breath. Practice this daily for 5-10 minutes.
- Practice it outside of Meditation too:
Besides these, 5-10 minutes that you spend focusing on your breath, try to be mindful whenever you’re doing a task. For example, when you’re having dinner, relish it wholly, admire the texture, savour the different flavours, don’t be distracted by your phone or TV.
While practicing this, please don’t be harsh on yourself for not concentrating on the present moment as it is. Be judgemental free, and keep doing this daily. You will observe the results. It is often believed to be easier to do it, but it isn’t. Let us look at what you’ll gain by doing this:
Benefits:
- Helps improve focus:
When you practice Mindfulness, concentrating one thing at one time, you’re training your mind to direct all your attention to the task at hand. This will make you better at work, studies, and all you’re doing.
Being mindful of small things makes you aware of more significant, bigger and essential things in life.
- Reduces stress:
When you live in the present moment, and you are devoid of the regrets of the past and the anxiety of the future. Being present in the moment keeps your mind calm, stress-free and less anxious.
3. Increased productivity and clarity:
You tend to get it done faster when you focus on the thing at hand. This way, you can get done multiple things one after the other, hence becoming more productive.
Being in the present helps you think clearly, and make better decisions.
Conclusion:
We must do things that keep us calm, composed, and anxious free during such challenging and trying times. Practicing Mindfulness is one thing we all should include in our lifestyle.
We cannot change the past, and the future is unknown to us; all we have is now. So, why not make the most of the moment we have at hand. Enjoy every moment, be present mentally when you’re doing things, live in the present because this is the only moment that we are aware of.
